Mirror of the Buddha Exhibition at the Rubin Museum

Early Portraits from Tibet

This exhibition, curated by David Jackson and Christian Luczanits, will take place at the Rubin Museum of Art, http://rmanyc.org, 150 West 17 Street, New York, NY, October 21, 2011 - March 5, 2012.

Taklungthangpa Chenpo with His Lineage and Manifestations (detail); Eastern Tibet; early 14th century; Distemper on cotton; Private Collection.

In early Tibetan painted portraits, founding masters of important Buddhist schools were often represented as holy personages. Using artistic conventions developed in India, Tibetan artists expressed the Buddhist ideals embodied in a particular person, exalting their human subjects to the level of buddhas.

Mirror of the Buddha will present exquisite examples of these portraits, painted primarily in the eastern India-inspired Sharri style. Though the Sharri tradition spread from India to many parts of Asia, the style's classic Indian forms, delicate colors, and intricate decorative details were emulated most faithfully by Tibetans and enjoyed particular popularity in Tibet from the 12th to 14th century.

Marking the third in a series of exhibitions that explores important Tibetan painting styles, Mirror of the Buddha will clarify some of the confusion and correct misidentifications previously posited by Western scholars. It will also analyze inscriptions and lineages, which are often overlooked yet of critical importance, as tools for dating these works of art.

What do such ancient paintings mean to us today? According to Donald Rubin, co-founder and co-chair of the board of the Rubin Museum, “When we look at the portraits of teachers presented in the exhibition, we feel that we know them because of the human features depicted -- balding heads, peculiar facial hair, or protruding teeth. They look like people we might have met just yesterday. And in feeling that connection, we receive the inspiration they offer us -- great saints all of them -- reaching across time and space.” Chief Curator Jan Van Alphen added, “David Jackson fully explores this notion of guru worship and its artistic outcomes, noting the conflicting tendencies present in such paintings—depicting the idealized saint and the recognizable human teacher at the same time.”

Mirror of the Buddha will be complemented by a full-color catalog rich with new scholarship, by curator David Jackson.

Create Your Own Mandala Sanctuary

Gold, Silver and Cooper Leaf Pens and Mandalas Offer Peaceful Glow

Mandala represents wholeness which can also symbolize health and healing. According to Wikipedia, Mandala is a Sanskrit word that means "circle". In the Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions their sacred art often takes a mandala form. Mandalas are commonly used by tantric Buddhists as an aid to meditation. More specifically, a Buddhist mandala is envisaged as a "sacred space," a "Pure Buddha Realm,"and also as an abode of fully realized beings or deities.

Inspired by circles, I created these three small works of art using Gold, Silver and Cooper leaf pens on 12" x 12" x 2" gallery canvas. In person these pieces glow brilliantly from the silver, gold, and copper metallic markers. They are hung above the Buddha sculpture which creates a peaceful focal point and a small sanctuary. A restful place for the mind and soul, in a city space.  Guests have commented on how tranquil these paintings make them feel.

It's amazing what you can do with some restful time, leaf pens and a little doodling. Try it!